Anguilla Transportation

Anguilla is a small island in the north of the Leeward Islands

Situated just north of the significantly busier St. Maarten, Anguilla is a quiet island paradise that awes its visitors with some of the finest beaches in the Caribbean. Although this destination is not as accessible as other Caribbean islands, the journey is certainly worth the effort.

Although arrival options include both air and sea, many travelers choose to travel to Anguilla by air. Indeed, visitors traveling from Europe and much of North America have few other options. Clayton Lloyd International Airport (formerly the Wallblake Airport), located in the center of the island, receives air traffic from neighboring Caribbean islands, but does not receive planes traveling directly from North America or Europe. Travelers from these locations must make connections on islands such as Puerto Rico and Sint Maarten in order to reach Anguilla. Most tourists can stay on the island for up to three months without a visa. Click here to learn more about air travel in Anguilla.

Sailing is the final option for traveling to Anguilla and can be perfect for adventurous and independent travelers. The island has two ports of entry, Blowing Point and Road Bay, and several beautiful offshore islands. Inexperienced sailors can charter boats that have fully trained crews, while seasoned seafarers can charter a boat to sail by themselves. Regardless of experience, however, sailors should be careful of rough waters and strong trade winds. Sailing in the Leeward Islands is popular, with a number of fabled ports and islands to welcome travelers. The quiet beauty of Anguilla is sure to please sailors who anchor here. Learn more about the ins and outs of sailing to the island by reading our Anguilla Sailing Guide.

Cruises

Caribbean cruises allow travelers to see Anguilla while also experiencing several other islands, such as Jost Van Dyke or Guadeloupe. Travelers who want to visit Anguilla, but who would also like to visit destinations that have more opportunities for shopping and other activities, may wish to travel by cruise. While Sint Maarten to the south is a bustling cruise port, Anguilla does not see a large number of cruise vessels call at Blowing Point. Vessels that do travel to the island tend to be smaller and provide travelers with luxury cruise experiences. Upon disembarking, cruise passengers can visit one of the island's many beaches or sample some of the fine international cuisine.

Although Anguilla is under the radar of many Caribbean tourists, travelers who do make their way to the island will have the memory of its stunning beaches etched into their minds. Find out more about your cruising options here.

Families and groups of three or four who plan to do a substantial amount of traveling on Anguilla may find that rental cars are the most cost efficient method of transportation. Both international and local car rental firms rent vans, jeeps, and cars. Drivers must have a valid driver's license from their home country along with a local driver's permit that costs $20(USD). driving is done on the left hand side of the road in Anguilla.

Bikes and Mopeds

Anguilla is not as mountainous as some other Caribbean islands, which makes bikes and mopeds more feasible options for travelers looking for freedom and adventure. Traveling by mountain bike allows you to discover the flora and fauna along island trails. Bikes are also good for a quick ride from your hotel to the beach. Scooters and mopeds allow travelers to explore the island's cities and beaches on a whim and can help them save money on gas. Be especially careful when riding bikes and mopeds on the island's rugged roads.

Taxis are available throughout the island for transportation and tours. Fares are fixed by the government, although multiple travelers and luggage can incur additional fees. Taxi rates can add up quickly, but travelers who are doing a limited amount of touring should consider this option. Speaking of touring, one of the great things about taxi drivers on Anguilla is that they are also often trained tour guides as well. For a nominal fee (starting at around $40 a day), you can hire your taxi driver to take you on a tour of the island. Don't plan on this as your official means of getting to know Anguilla, but if you happen upon an amiable driver, you may get a better tour out of him or her than an official touring company. Click here to find out more.

As a result of the island's small size, there is no public transportation on Anguilla. That does not mean, however, that bus transportation is out of the question. Harry's Taxi and Tour Bus Service rents out buses to large groups for transportation and island tours. These buses can hold anywhere from 15 to 45 passengers, and are popular amongst large groups that travel to the island together, such as wedding parties and school trippers. You can find out more information by clicking here.

Finally, travelers who wish to take a day trip to Sint Maarten for the more alluring duty-free shopping opportunities can take a ferry from Blowing Point in Anguilla to Marigot in St. Martin. Travelers must pay a fare and departure tax and should carry their passport. Even with these fees, most travelers agree that a trip betwen the two islands is not one that should be missed. How often would you get a chance to visit two countries with such different cultural backgrounds in the span of just one day? Read our Anguilla Ferry Guide for additional information.

Despite the lack of public transportation, there are a number of ways to explore Anguilla, and every one of them is considered to be safe and inexpensive by Caribbean islands standards. Whichever method you feel most comfortable with, be it taking matters into your own hands with a rental, or hiring a charted bus for a large group of people, you'll find that all roads (and waterways) lead to adventure.